For This Star, Winning Is All That Matters

His best friend is considered the game’s dominant offensive shortstop and another guy in his division has better statistics.

But Derek Jeter is among the keys to the New York Yankees’ incredible season, making his mark through his team’s success.

“Derek impresses me with everything he does,” said Seattle Mariner shortstop Alex Rodriguez, Jeter’s closest friend. “He puts up big numbers and he does it in the field too, but it’s not only about the numbers.

“Derek is just a winner in whatever he does. He takes the approach that he’s going out there to beat you every time, and you know that.”

Jeter, who went 2 for 4 in Saturday’s 16-5 loss to the Texas Rangers, is batting .325 (149 for 459) with 14 home runs, 61 RBIs and 24 stolen bases in 29 attempts. He is on pace to surpass 200 hits, and approach a combined total of 200 runs and RBIs.

Nomar Garciaparra of the Boston Red Sox has better numbers, but Jeter already has one World Series championship ring and might add another this season. The Yankees are on a record-setting pace for victories--and Jeter is focused on championships.

“There are so many great shortstops in this game, guys who I really respect and try to learn from,” said Jeter, the 1996 rookie of the year. “Everybody’s game is different, and I really don’t like comparing guys.

“I’m not going to put up the same numbers like [Rodriguez or Garciaparra], all I try to do is help my team. I know that might not sound real interesting, but that’s the way I look at it.”

Jeter, 24, credits improved concentration at the plate and footwork in the field for his continued progress. Yankee officials have noticed Jeter’s development on defense.

“Derek is so much better with his feet now than he used to be,” infield coach Willie Randolph said. “His balance is getting there. Sometimes, he surprises me, how much he’s improving.”

And the Yankees believe Jeter’s game will keep growing.

“The sky is the limit with Derek,” General Manager Brian Cashman said. “I’m not kidding.”

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Cleveland Indian catcher Sandy Alomar had a career year last season, batting .324 (146 for 451) with 37 doubles, 21 homers and 83 RBIs.

Most figured the all-star wouldn’t repeat that performance, but Alomar has unexpectedly struggled throughout the season.

After going 1 for 5 Saturday against Baltimore, Alomar was batting .242 with six homers and 40 RBIs. He batted .105 (four for 34) on a recent 12-game road trip, and is hitting .213 (19 for 89) .with runners in scoring position.

The problem?

“People are pitching me different than last year,” Alomar said. “Pitchers used to give in to me when the count was 3-and-1. Now, they keep running away from me.

“They adjusted to me after last year. I haven’t adjusted back.”

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Baltimore all-star first baseman Rafael Palmeiro has rejected a three-year, $21-million contract extension.

Palmeiro is eligible for free agency at the end of the season and is resigned to testing the market.

“If I’m still unsigned by then [season’s end], I’d be stupid not to see what everybody had to offer,” Palmeiro said. “Maybe it won’t come to that. I prefer it didn’t, but I’m ready to deal with it.”